The alarming meningococcal B (MenB) outbreak in Kent earlier this year has led to a crucial recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to introduce a new routine MenB vaccination programme for adolescents. This move is a response to growing concerns about the spread of MenB disease, particularly among young people. The JCVI's proposal would see all 15-year-olds offered a single dose of the 4CMenB vaccine, targeting those born on or after May 1st, 2015, who received the MenB vaccine in infancy.
According to NHS data, those born before this date - referred to as 'unprimed adolescents' - are at higher risk of contracting MenB and would be offered two doses of the vaccine. This group includes individuals born between May 1st, 2015, and April 30th, 2015. The JCVI also advocates for a catch-up programme to reach those who might miss out on the one-off offer in 2026 or fall outside the proposed age range.
Professor Wei Shen Lim KBE, Chair of the JCVI, stressed that while cost-effectiveness is uncertain, vaccinating these groups is crucial for equity. The review considered up-to-date evidence on vaccine effectiveness, duration of protection, and recent outbreaks, highlighting the importance of protecting against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and potentially gonococcal infection.
The Department of Health and Social Care will carefully consider the JCVI's recommendations before making a decision on implementing changes to the NHS MenB vaccination schedule. In the meantime, eligible young people can book online for a one-off programme offering two doses of the MenB vaccine this summer, with particular emphasis on protection before starting university or college.